Community Partnership Creates New Teen Space at the YMCA
Community spaces matter — especially for young people. Having a comfortable place to gather after school gives teens an opportunity to connect, recharge, and spend time in a positive environment.
Recently, the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA worked to enhance shared spaces within their facility, including areas designed for both seniors and youth engagement. These spaces are an important part of the YMCA’s mission to support connection, activity, and belonging for people of all ages.
Through a local partnership, the YMCA was able to refresh a downstairs youth area, creating a welcoming space for teens to gather after school. The space now includes durable, comfortable seating and tables designed to support conversation, connection, and everyday use.
The furniture used in the space includes pieces from HON, selected to provide a practical and inviting environment that can support the needs of a high-traffic community space.
While the updates may be simple in form, the impact is much larger in practice. Environments like this play an important role in encouraging interaction, building relationships, and giving young people a positive place to spend their time outside of school.
In a world increasingly centered around screens and devices, physical spaces for connection still matter — whether it’s teens spending time together after school, seniors gathering for conversation, or families participating in programs. Community grows stronger when people have places designed for interaction.
According to Executive Director Brad Kinkema, that sense of connection is central to the YMCA’s purpose. “The YMCA means a place where people can go and grow mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Kinkema. “The YMCA is a refuge for the community to come and recharge. Where seniors stay active, where teens hang out, where all can learn to swim and where families go to enjoy their time together.”
He added that community involvement plays a key role in sustaining and expanding programs like these. “The YMCA is a place where community members help and support each other,” he shared. “That’s what we are all about at the Y — creating community.”
Projects like this show what’s possible when local organizations work together toward a shared goal: strengthening the spaces where people connect. Community impact grows through continued partnership, support, and engagement.
Ways to Support Your Community
There are many ways individuals and organizations can help strengthen local programs and community spaces:
- Volunteer your time
- Support local nonprofits and fundraisers
- Donate gently used or needed items
- Mentor youth or share professional skills
- Partner with local organizations
- Attend and promote community events
Kinkema encourages anyone interested in supporting the YMCA’s programs for youth, families, and seniors to get involved however they can. “Individuals and organizations can help support the YMCA with their time, treasure, or talent,” he said. “Monetary donations are always helpful, but partnership is even more valuable.”
Organizations or individuals interested in supporting the YMCA can contact Brad Kinkema at brad@martinsvilleymca.com.
Community spaces like this are built through collaboration — and they thrive when more people choose to be part of that effort.
